Driving Licence in Andhra Pradesh: How to Apply, Renew and Check Status (2026)
A driving licence in Andhra Pradesh is issued by the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department through its Regional Transport Offices, which register vehicles on the AP series. The application runs on the national Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in) under the Motor Vehicles Act 1988 and the Central Motor Vehicles Rules 1989, so the process and licence classes are the same across India; what is local is the RTO you visit for the test and biometrics. A valid licence for the vehicle class also matters for insurance: a motor own-damage claim can be questioned if the driver did not hold a valid licence for that class of vehicle.
Driving licence classes
The class of licence decides which vehicles you may legally drive. These classes are set nationally under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and apply in Andhra Pradesh as everywhere else in India.
| Licence class | Vehicle covered | Minimum age |
|---|---|---|
| MCWOG | Motorcycle without gear, up to 50cc | 16 (with guardian consent) |
| MCWG | Motorcycle with gear | 18 |
| LMV | Light motor vehicle — car, jeep | 18 |
| LMV-TR / Transport | Light transport / commercial goods and passenger | 20 (with 8th-class pass) |
| HMV / HGMV / HPMV | Heavy goods and passenger vehicles | 20 |
Learner's licence to permanent licence in Andhra Pradesh
- Apply for the learner's licence on Sarathi in Form 2, with proof of age, address and a passport photo. A short online test on road signs and rules follows.
- Hold the learner's licence for at least 30 days before applying for the permanent licence. It is valid for six months.
- Book the driving test at your AP RTO in Form 4. Bring the vehicle of the class you are testing for.
- Pass the test, after which the permanent licence is printed and dispatched, and can be tracked online.
- Add a transport endorsement separately if you will drive commercially, which needs a minimum age of 20 and a medical certificate in Form 1A.
Where to apply in Andhra Pradesh
Applications are filed online on Sarathi and completed at the Regional Transport Office nearest you. In Andhra Pradesh the registration series begins with AP, and the office that conducts your test is the one whose jurisdiction covers your residential address. The biometric capture, the driving test and, for renewals past age 40, the medical examination are done in person at that office.
Validity and renewal
- A learner's licence is valid for six months.
- A private driving licence is valid for 20 years or until you turn 50, whichever is earlier.
- After 50, the licence is renewed every five years, with a medical certificate.
- A transport licence is valid for three years and is renewed with a fresh medical certificate.
- Licence fees are set under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and collected on Sarathi — confirm the current amount there before applying.
Documents for a driving licence
Applications move faster when your documents are ready before you book a slot:
- Proof of age such as a birth certificate, passport or Class 10 marksheet
- Proof of current address such as Aadhaar, a utility bill or passport
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Your learner's licence when applying for a permanent licence
- Form 1 self-declaration of fitness (Form 1A medical for applicants over 40 or commercial classes)
- Applications are filed on the Parivahan Sarathi portal
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a driving licence in Andhra Pradesh?
Apply on the national Sarathi portal (sarathi.parivahan.gov.in), which the Andhra Pradesh Transport Department uses. File Form 2 for the learner's licence, pass the online rules test, wait 30 days, then book the driving test at your AP RTO in Form 4.
How long is a driving licence valid in Andhra Pradesh?
A private driving licence is valid for 20 years or until you turn 50, whichever is earlier, then renewed every five years. A learner's licence lasts six months and a transport licence three years. These validity periods are national.
What are the driving licence fees in Andhra Pradesh?
Licence fees are fixed under the Central Motor Vehicles Rules and collected on Sarathi. Because they are revised from time to time, check the current amount on the portal when you apply rather than relying on an older figure.
Does my driving licence affect my car insurance?
Yes. A valid licence for the class of vehicle is required for an own-damage claim to be honoured. Driving on a learner's licence unaccompanied, or without any valid licence, can lead to a claim being denied.
Can I check my driving licence status in Andhra Pradesh online?
Yes. Use the 'Application Status' service on Sarathi with your application number, or the DigiLocker and mParivahan apps to hold a legally valid digital copy once the licence is issued.
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